PMIC Power-Up Modes for Main and Backup Supply Initialization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power management systems for memory systems face challenges in efficiently handling dual-input and single-input voltage supplies during power-up initialization, particularly in scenarios where one supply voltage is absent or unavailable, leading to potential system instability and increased power-up times.
Innovation Solution
A power management integrated circuit (PMIC) with a supply monitor circuit and multiple initialization modes, allowing it to execute different power-up sequences based on the presence of main and backup supply voltages, enabling flexible operation in dual-supply or single-supply configurations, and automatically switching to backup supplies when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the PMIC uses a fixed power-up initialization sequence assuming both main and backup supplies are present, then the initialization process is simple, but the system reliability deteriorates when one supply voltage is absent
Solution Approach 1:
The PMIC employs a dynamic power-up initialization sequence that adapts based on the actual power supply configuration. The supply monitor circuit detects whether the main supply voltage is present, and the initialization sequence is dynamically adjusted: if main supply is present, both main and backup supplies are initialized; if main supply is absent, only backup supply initialization is performed. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability across different supply scenarios without requiring a completely fixed complex sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the initialization parameters (which supplies to initialize and in what order) based on the detected supply configuration. The supply monitor circuit detects the presence or absence of the main supply voltage, and this detection result directly changes the initialization parameters executed by the PMIC. This parameter-based adaptation allows the system to maintain reliability while keeping the control logic relatively simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the PMIC monitors supply voltages and executes different power-up sequences, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply monitor circuit performs preliminary detection of the main supply voltage presence before the power-up initialization sequence begins. This preliminary action provides advance information about the supply configuration, allowing the PMIC to select the appropriate initialization sequence without requiring complex real-time decision-making during initialization. The preliminary monitoring action simplifies the overall control logic while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply monitor circuit acts as an intermediary between the power supply system and the power-up initialization logic. It detects the supply configuration and provides this information to the PMIC control logic, which then selects the appropriate initialization sequence. This intermediary approach decouples the complexity of supply detection from the initialization sequence execution, allowing each component to remain relatively simple while achieving high overall adaptability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the PMIC waits for main supply voltage before initializing, then the system stability improves, but the power-up time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply monitor circuit performs preliminary detection of the main supply voltage presence before the power-up initialization sequence begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming waiting delays during initialization, as the system already knows whether to expect the main supply. The PMIC can immediately proceed with the appropriate initialization sequence, maintaining stability without sacrificing power-up time.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) to support a power-up sequence from a powered-down state to a powered-up state when both a main supply voltage and a backup supply voltage are present or when only the backup supply voltage is present. The PMIC may monitor the two supply voltages to identify the supply voltages that are present. The PMIC may be configured with a power-up initialization mode of operation through an EFUSE/MTP register, including a first bit to control power up of a voltage regulator of the PMIC with the main supply voltage or the backup supply voltage. Another bit may control power up of the voltage regulator with the backup supply voltage in the dual-supply or the single-supply configuration. The PMIC may execute one of four power-up sequences based on the monitored status of the supply voltages and the configured power-up initialization mode of operation.